What to Ask When Buying A Home with Propane Heat?

Propane home heating systems are becoming increasingly popular throughout the Northeast region. Propane heat is an affordable, cleaner alternative to fuel oil. As well as being as efficient as natural gas.  


When it’s time to make the serious financial investment of purchasing a home, buying a home with propane is a smart choice! Do your homework on the propane home heating system on the property you’re considering and know what to ask when buying a home! 


1. What is the propane being used for?


While propane is commonly used for home heating, it’s extremely versatile and can be used for a number of uses. Appliances like stoves, barbecues, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, clothes dryers, water heaters and standby generators can all run on propane.


Older appliances may not run on propane. Know the source of energy for all the appliances in your potential new home. You do not want to have to pay for two different heating systems or have to make the investment of upgrading later. When making an offer, consider whether or not you’ll need to upgrade the appliances to take full advantage of the propane in the home.  


2. Ask About System Efficiency?


As much as half the energy in your home goes to heating and cooling. Making a smart decision regarding your potential home’s heating, ventilating and HVAC systems can have a big effect on your utility bills – and your comfort. 


Not all heating systems and appliances are created equal! Through the Energy Department’s appliance standards, manufacturers are making great strides in developing new, more efficient appliances that are saving consumers big money on their energy bills.  


Question the age, efficiency and maintenance on the current heating systems and appliances in your potential new home. If the system is more than 10 – 15 years old it is time to think about replacing.  Have it evaluated by a professional to determine the efficiency and / or length of time left on the heating system before it costs more in repairs than to purchase a new one or, even worse, it becomes unsafe.


Propane systems can help slash energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions – up to 68%, in fact. High efficiency propane furnaces have a general efficiency level above 90% AFUE, some are even 95% efficient!  Meaning it captures additional heat from the combustion gases and use this to increase the heat transfer for great efficiency. Older units, especially those that are not properly maintained, can lose their efficiency very quickly – making your unit work harder to produce the same amount of heat. 


The need for a new or upgraded heating system can be a costly determining factor on your new home purchase. Know your options for a new heating system before the current one is no longer functional. Be proactive because shopping for a replacement should not be in the time of an emergency, as it doesn’t leave time to make the best decision.


Does your potential new home use heating oil but you want clean, efficient propane?  


Converting from oil to propane is easy for the professionals at Combined Energy Services.Whether it’s making sure your current systems and appliances are working to their maximized efficiency or working with you on the conversion process; Combined Energy Services is here to steer you in the right direction and help you make smart financial decisions regarding your heating systems!  


3. How big is the tank?


Knowing the size of the tank is important too.  Tank sizes can range from 120 to over 1,000 gallons.  Larger tanks generally mean less deliveries.  Be sure to ask what size the tank is so that you know how often you’ll be needing to re-fill.


4. Are the tanks under or above ground?


Tanks can either be installed above ground or placed underground, hiding it from plain view.  Above ground tanks are easier to maintain and clean, however, some may think it’s an eye sore.  On the other hand, underground tanks are more aesthetically pleasing and allow you to enjoy more room on your property.


5. Are there maintenance records available?


Regular maintenance is required to ensure the tank is working at its best, as with all home appliances.  If you are considering buying a home and the home owner claims to own the tank but cannot provide proper documentation for ownership and maintenance, be aware!  This could be a sign for potential problems after the sale.     


Always have your tank inspected by a professional propane company.


6. There is a company owned propane tank on the property, do I have to use that company?


NO! If you are considering a home that has a loaned tank from a propane company, you are not forced to use that vendor!! 


CES is happy to provide a no-obligation quote and site visit to see if we can save you money for your propane on your new home.  We will even pump out the remaining gas in the old tanks so you don’t lose any money.  


We will provide new / certified tanks; work with you to find an aesthetically appealing location and color which looks best; place in the safest location; and there’s never a charge for our installation including tank and gas lines!    


Buying a home with propane heating systems and appliances is the affordable, cleaner choice that other fuel sources. If the home you’re considering buying has propane, be sure to ask the important questions to properly understand the heating systems, appliances, any additional costs associated with the purchase; as well as uncover possible problems before the sale rather than after the sale! 


If you have questions about your service or products we offer, please email info@combinedenergyservices.com Do not leave a service or product question in the comments.


Combined Energy Services Employee

Combined Energy Services

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